Though the official language of Australia is English, Australian are equally notorious for their use of slang. While some, like "gidday" and "fair dinkum," are fairly well-known outside of Australia, many tourists struggle to understand what is being said. And it's especially important to understand what is being asked of you when your newfound friend at the local pub tells you it's your turn to "shout."

Australian slang, like all slang, is constantly evolving and changing. While the list below includes a lot of common slang, it is by no means complete.

first cab off the rank - to jump at an opportunity; be quick off the mark

flat out - very busy. "He's flat out like a lizard drinking."

floater - A meat pie in a plate of soupy peas and gravy

footy - refers to either Rugby League, Rugby Union, or Australian Rules football.

fossick - originally meant to search or pick around for gold or gemstones, but is now used in the more general sense of searching for something

Fremantle doctor - cool breeze that blows in off the Indian Ocean during the hot summer months of December to March. You will often hear cricket commentators when there's a match on at the WACA say, we're waiting for the doctor to cool things down.